Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB2

Introduced
1/3/23  
Refer
1/3/23  

Caption

Campaign finance reports; shall be available on county and municipal websites.

Impact

The implementation of HB2 is expected to bring significant changes to the way campaign finance information is reported and accessed at the local level. Candidates for county and municipal offices will now be required to file reports with municipal clerks, who will ensure these reports are uploaded to the appropriate websites. Moreover, if a municipality lacks a website, the reports will be forwarded to the county clerk for inclusion on the county’s website. This structured approach aims to standardize the availability of campaign finance data across local jurisdictions, potentially leading to greater public awareness and scrutiny of campaign financing in local elections.

Summary

House Bill 2 aims to enhance the transparency of campaign finance reports by mandating that candidates for local government offices make their financial disclosures available on both county and municipal websites. This legislation amends Section 23-15-805 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, ensuring that campaign finance information is more accessible to the public, which is a critical step in promoting accountability among local officials and candidates. By providing this data online, the bill seeks to empower voters with essential information that could influence their electoral decisions.

Contention

While the bill is generally viewed positively in terms of promoting transparency, there may be some contention regarding the logistics and costs involved in implementing these requirements, particularly for smaller or resource-constrained municipalities. Critics may argue that the financial burden of maintaining a website and ensuring compliance with these new reporting standards could disproportionately impact smaller local governments, thus posing challenges to their ability to adhere to state mandates. Nevertheless, the overarching goal of increasing transparency in campaign finance practices is a critical topic that aligns with the state’s efforts to enhance democratic processes in local governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB1433

Campaign finance reports; shall be available on county and municipal websites.

MS HB143

Campaign finance reports; shall be available on county and municipal websites.

MS HB385

Campaign finance reports; shall be available on county and municipal websites.

MS SB2003

Campaign finance reports; to be available on county and municipal websites.

MS HB33

Campaign finance reports; require those filed by all candidates to be available online.

MS HB36

Campaign finance reports; require those filed by all candidates to be available online.

MS HB169

Campaign finance reports; require those filed by all candidates to be available online.

MS HB399

Campaign finance reports; require those filed by all candidates to be available online.

MS SB2650

Campaign finance; allow reports to be filed and made accessible via a website run by the SOS.

MS HB159

Campaign finance reports; require candidates for county, county district and municipal offices to file with Secretary of State.

Similar Bills

MS SB2650

Campaign finance; allow reports to be filed and made accessible via a website run by the SOS.

NV AB79

Revises provisions relating to governmental administration. (BDR 24-483)

ND SB2156

Campaign disclosure statements; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; and to provide an effective date.

CA AB808

Campaign statements and registrations: filing online or electronically.

MS HB33

Campaign finance reports; require those filed by all candidates to be available online.

ND HB1377

Campaign disclosure statements; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; and to provide an effective date.

CA AB1367

Political Reform Act of 1974: committee accounts and campaign funds.

MS SB2658

Campaign finance; comprehensive reform of laws pertaining to.